The Lantern

The Bacchae16

PG

PENTHEUS.

What array? The woman's? Nay, I will not.

DIONYSUS.

Doth it change So soon, all thy desire to see this strange Adoring?

PENTHEUS.

Wait! What garb wilt thou bestow About me?

DIONYSUS.

First a long tress dangling low Beneath thy shoulders.

PENTHEUS.

Aye, and next?

DIONYSUS.

The said Robe, falling to thy feet; and on thine head A snood.

PENTHEUS.

And after? Hast thou aught beyond?

DIONYSUS.

Surely; the dappled fawn-skin and the wand.

PENTHEUS (after a struggle with himself).

Enough! I cannot wear a robe and snood.

DIONYSUS.

Wouldst liefer draw the sword and spill men's blood?

PENTHEUS (again doubting).

True, that were evil.--Aye; 'tis best to go First to some place of watch.

DIONYSUS.

Far wiser so, Than seek by wrath wrath's bitter recompense.

PENTHEUS.